Israeli occupation forces returned to Nablus last night after withdrawing from the city following their days-long “Winter Heat” operation. According to the Ma’an news agency, Israeli army vehicles took up several positions throughout Nablus, focusing on the old city, where most of the military operations took place.

Medical sources inside Nablus also reported on the injury of three Palestinian men during clashes with invading Israeli troops. Arrests were also reported in Nablus and in the nearby village of Kufr Qalil.

Israeli troops announced their withdrawal from Nablus on Thursday after failing to achieve their declared objectives of arresting a list of men wanted by Israeli security forces. However, the army continued to maintain key positions inside the city even after the withdrawal.

Meanwhile, President Abbas and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh are scheduled to meet in Gaza on Sunday to discuss the final formation of a national unity government. The meeting comes after a delay by both Hamas and Fateh to present their list of ministerial candidates, the deadline for which was last night. Neither side gave any reason for the postponement, but both said they would continue to try and speed up the process of forming the new government.

So far, Fateh has announced that four of its six ministers will be from the West Bank while the remaining two will be from the Gaza Strip. Hamas has decided that five of its ministers will be from Gaza while the other seven will come from the West Bank.

The Palestinian People’s Party has also announced its consent to join the new government and will be responsible for cultural portfolio in the future government formation.

Abbas and Haniyeh are expected to announce the new national unity government sometime this week, most likely following their meeting tomorrow in Gaza.